Garda By Bike - Cycling along Lake Garda

Some sections of the "Ciclovia del Garda" have already been realised and are already open to cyclists, while others are nearing completion. However, for some of the sections of ‘Garda by Bike’ planned in the original project, work has been delayed and the route has been altered, due to logistical difficulties and opposition from landowners and environmentalists. It appears, however, that a solution has been found to bring the project on Lake Garda to fruition in a modified form.

Both the newly built sections and the upgrades to existing cycle routes directly alongside the lake are often shared paths for cyclists and pedestrians. In Italian, such a path is called a ‘ciclopedonale’. Consequently, mutual consideration is essential, and it may – at least for the time being – be necessary for cyclists to push their bikes for short stretches.

Let's look at the various sections in detail

• One of the most spectacular sections of the Ciclovia del Garda is undoubtedly the one between Limone and Riva del Garda, on the north-western shore. The finished 2 km section overlooking the lake is anchored to the cliff and ends near the border between Lombardy and Trentino. On the Trentino side, an initial section from Riva to Spiaggia dello Sperone is already open. However, there is still no continuous link between Limone sul Garda and Riva del Garda.
  
• There are already cycle paths available between Riva del Garda and Torbole, but work is continuing to ensure the safe coexistence of cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. This also includes cycle routes that are not directly integrated into the lakeside circuit but serve to connect to other cycle routes. In 2026, amongst other things, a new section of cycle path was completed, enabling a panoramic loop between Arco, Torbole and Nago. 
• The gap between Torbole-Nago and Malcesine has not yet been closed. Between Malcesine and Brenzone sul Garda, there is a path along the shore used by cyclists and pedestrians, but further improvements are planned. From Brenzone, there is a gap in the cycle path infrastructure towards the south and Torri del Benaco. A section over 2 km long was opened in 2026 from Torri del Benaco to Brancolino, but a continuous connection further on to Garda has not yet been realised.
• Between Garda and Peschiera del Garda, there are existing paths along the south-eastern shore which are used by cyclists and pedestrians. However, a new route is planned, which will run partly above the villages and provide a direct link to the bike path along the Mincio River from Peschiera del Garda to Mantova.
• On the Lombardy side of the cycle route, work is underway to create a continuous 46-kilometre route linking Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda, Salò and Gardone Riviera, which runs only partly along the south-western shore. No continuous cycle route will be built along the lake between Gardone Riviera and Limone: cyclists can take the ferry for this section.